Centene Corp (CNC)vsEli Lilly and Company (LLY)
CNC
Centene Corp
$66.42
+1.56%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $31.90B
LLY
Eli Lilly and Company
$1,115.70
-0.65%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $994.92B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Centene Corp generates 126% more annual revenue ($180.30B vs $79.67B). LLY leads profitability with a 33.5% profit margin vs -2.8%. CNC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.81. LLY earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 76/100 (B+).
CNC
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
LLY
Strong Buy76
out of 100
Grade: B+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+84.8%
Fair Value
$265.86
Current Price
$66.42
$199.44 discount
Intrinsic value data unavailable for LLY.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Growing faster than its price suggests
Generating 4.2B in free cash flow
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 79 in profit
Keeps 34 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 54.2%
Revenue surging 47.7% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 26.2% YoY
Areas to Watch
4.6% revenue growth
Operating margin of 3.8%
ROE of -22.6% — below average capital efficiency
Currently unprofitable
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Elevated debt levels
Trading at 29.4x book value
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : CNC
The strongest argument for CNC centers on Price/Book, PEG Ratio, Free Cash Flow. PEG of 0.81 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : LLY
The strongest argument for LLY centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 33.5% and operating margin at 54.2%. Revenue growth of 47.7% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : CNC
The primary concerns for CNC are Revenue Growth, Operating Margin, Return on Equity.
Bear Case : LLY
The primary concerns for LLY are P/E Ratio, Debt/Equity, Price/Book. Debt-to-equity of 1.62 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CNC profiles as a turnaround stock while LLY is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
CNC carries more volatility with a beta of 1.11 — expect wider price swings.
LLY is growing revenue faster at 47.7% — sustainability is the question.
LLY generates stronger free cash flow (7.8B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
LLY scores higher overall (76/100 vs 56/100), backed by strong 33.5% margins and 47.7% revenue growth. CNC offers better value entry with a 84.8% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
Centene Corp
HEALTHCARE · HEALTHCARE PLANS · USA
Centene Corporation is a large publicly traded company and a multi-line managed care enterprise that serves as a major intermediary for both government-sponsored and privately insured health care programs. It is a healthcare insurer that focuses on managed care for uninsured, underinsured, and low-income individuals.
Eli Lilly and Company
HEALTHCARE · DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL · USA
Eli Lilly and Company is an American pharmaceutical company headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, with offices in 18 countries. Its products are sold in approximately 125 countries.
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